The Angel

Life is full of twists and turns. People who don’t know how to drive themselves through those twists face lot many problems. However, one needs intelligence, determination and confidence to drive and deal with those sharp turns. Emotions matter a lot in life but not while solving a problem in life. This story is about how to handle emotions diligently while pushing toward your goal, in parallel, whenever an opportunity knocks your door. 

Mumbai is a land of dreams for so many people. As they say, residing in Mumbai for a few years helps you to tackle the challenges in any part of the world. Hi! Am Ritesh and I am a proud Mumbaite. I love Mumbai more than how Mumbai loves its popular dish that it has given to the world – vadapav. I was a happy-go-lucky guy, until I met an angel in a church nearby Nariman Point, Mumbai; a few years ago. Yep! What you read is right. I met an angel; she was in that traditional white dress with those trademark white wings (attached to her backside ribs! I did not check, exactly!).  Actually, that time I was expecting a job promotion from my crooked and wicked boss, who has this attitude of not giving any positive stuff to anyone whoever reports to him.  Life was dull and job was boring. I realized that I was in need of a strong positive dose of luck in my life as I was in doubt whether my boss recognizes my hard work and duly appreciate me by awarding with a huge salary hike and a swift promotion.

As you know LUCK is hard to get in life. Being an Indian who shares the philosophical thinking with my fellow Indians by birth, I realized that there was only one way in front of me – visit all religious places and make deals with Gods. Ideas are wonderful triggers; the moment you get them, immediately your mind pushes your body to execute them. So, I started visiting temples, mosques, churches, etc. Exactly at that moment, when I was coming out of the Basilica Church in Nariman Point, a few feet nearby the exit gate I met this angel about whom I was trying to tell you before. I was stunned and shocked when I first saw her in front of me. At first, I did not believe her; thought, she might be a part of some fancy dress competition. But then after she introduced herself in a proper chastised manner, then I started believing in her words. But, somewhere in my mind I had this question like why the heck in the world that a white angel with a wand and wings appear to me while there are so many ardent Christian devotees like Mother Teresa, St. John, etc. were there? Blasting my doubting thoughts, the angel questioned me, 'why did you call me?' I was flabbergasted. 'When I called you? I mean I don’t even know your name.' I said. The angel gave disapproval look at me after hearing my answer. 'Ok listen! Why you think that God should help you to further your career prospects?' I said, 'it is because I can do better compared against others. The only thing is that I never got an opportunity to showcase my skills or intelligence.' This time the angel gave me challenging look. 'Wow! So, you think that you are intelligent but deprived of right opportunities. Ok! I give you an opportunity. Let’s see how you fare.' the angel said. 'If you can intelligently solve the problem while successfully satisfying all the conditions set by me, I make your career wish become true.; the angel uttered. Actually, only then I realized that she was here to make a deal with me as I was already in such a state of mind to do anything to further my career prospects.

Hmm… I was thrilled momentarily but again I got doubt. I asked her what sort of task I was supposed to do. With a pleasant yet serious face, she told me that I should not advice anyone to break-up with the person whom s/he is in love with under any circumstances. But if you think whatever is happening is not correct, then you have to devise a plan in such a way that neither of the parties should get neither directly offends nor hurt.  

‘Holy cow! Why the phish in this world that I would advise anyone to break someone else heart with whom they are in love with? What is my relation with that love situation?’ I started asking questions. For which she told me not to think of what I don’t know; when the time comes, details would reveal themselves and she was not ready to divulge any further details. After that she asked me whether I was in or out of this deal. Being a person, who is always in search of opportunities, how can I say 'NO' to this offer? So, I said 'Yes'. I was not worried about the condition that the angel set. Being a God fearing person, I know that I never do something bad to others. 

Then one day, a new employee joined our department. He got introduced to everyone including me by the HR: Meet John, the new employee! While I was shaking hands with him, I looked into his eyes and exactly at that precise moment I saw the Mumbai angel in his eyes for a fraction of a second. I was shocked. What? Why the angel appeared in his eyes? Does this mean whatever angel told me as part of the deal, is it really going to happen? But how it happens? How this guy is linked with angel? So many questions popped up in my mind. But alas! No answers. However, one thing is clear; the angle has to do something with John. And from my point of view, John has the key to unlock my career luck prospects. So, follow John and keep him happy until I receive further signal from anywhere. My curiosity increased exponentially in John and his way of life and I started tracking this new guy, John. 

John is a sober guy who displays lot of humility at any point of time when he is surrounded by other human beings. Although he is in his mid-20s, his appearance (with that dense beard and long strands of hair falling on his forehead) makes others think that he is nearing 20s. Actually, John with his goggles ON looks like a fresh faced innocent cute teenager who is just out of college. After his joining, John became my friend. Within a few days, we became buddies; started going for lunch, attending parties, etc. During one of our buddy drinking discussions, I came to know that John is still single but ready to mingle; the moment I heard this statement from John’s mouth, whatever intoxication strength I was building up in that drinking session so far has come down. John might not have understood the impact of his statement. But, for me, it is something very important.              

          

John, who is my best buddy now, is very emotional guy. He puts his heart and soul in all the matters of his life [at least from my point of view!]. He takes things very seriously that are very important to further his life. At one point of time, I thought, ‘why the hell I stop John doing something that gives him happiness in life. God knows!’ Then one day, John called me to share some happy news. He was very happy and told me in his foreign accent that he fell in love with someone and wanted to marry her. Today, he wants to propose her but before that he wants me to see his ‘would be’. I was dumbstruck. Things are happening as per angel’s deal. I told myself that John is getting married to his love and it is good. I remembered angel’s deal with me that I am not supposed to break someone’s heart. Why the hell I do that? And why the hell I go against John and break his heart. In the same call, John told that he would show me his fiancé. I said ok. 

It is evening time. And John took me to a pub. Here, he wants me to show his fiancé. I was also curious to see her. I adjusted my glasses and started staring intensely toward the direction that John pointed out. He is pointing a dark corner where I can see two shades moving into each other. The view is not clear as people are dancing on the dance floor and the disco lights are doing their job: ON & OFF at regular intervals. Technically, I could not see the face of the person who was sitting in that corner. In hesitation, I asked John ‘are there two people in that corner’. For which John said ‘No’. I brought her here today so that you could see her. She is sitting alone in that corner. ‘Wow!’ I said. They switched on the laser beams to hike the dance floor kick now. The pub is buzzing with dance beats songs. Literally, we both were shouting to each other to share information. At one point, they beamed a laser light in to the same corner where John’s fiancé is sitting all alone. John shoved me to look in that direction exactly at the same moment. Literally, I saw two white eyes and a set of white teeth and a black shadow. I told myself, ‘Ritesh! Seriously, you cannot ignore the warning of your eyes. You cannot see anything. Now, what you tell John about his fiancé if he probes you about her. Oh God! Tomorrow morning, first thing you have to do is to check your eyes with an eye specialist’. 

As expected, John asked me how was she? Immediately bringing my interview skills into action (where I answer even those questions that I don’t know with lot of confidence), I told him that she is looking cute like a button. What a beauty! Now, I am jealous of you bro! Where did you find her? She is so charming in the reflection of those laser beams; maybe because of her vibrant fair skin color. Wow! What a beauty!’ Then John casually said, ‘Nah! It is not her fair skin but her gold color dress. Actually, she is a long-legged jet black beauty in a gold color dress and I like her satin black skin verrryy muuucchh.’ ‘What?’ I ejaculated. ‘You look like a hero with all those teenage looks and your taste goes against your looks bro! Why?’ Stunned, I uttered. For that John said ‘Donno! I like unique things in life. And I think she falls under that category.’ ‘Yep! She really falls under that category alone.’ I told myself. 

John dropped me at my place and left to pick up his fiancé. That night I could not sleep. My inner heart’s voice is waking me up every time I close my eyes and started asking me ‘Can’t you do something?’ Now, I started realizing the toughness of the situation in which the angel put me in. I am in such a position that I neither accept handsome John marrying his jet black fiancé nor am able to bear looking at my career not going anywhere. It is almost 4 AM in the morning. I started walking around my bedroom; struggling to come to a decision on John’s matter. Being an opportunist with an empathetic heart, I want to do something which further my career and at the same time does not hurt John’s feelings. Finally, I took a decision. Exactly at that moment, the angel appeared. She started smiling at me but I was in a serious mood. Then she asked me, what you have decided? I told her that the only solution to this problem is to change 'her' opinion. Angel smiled and said you won and disappeared.

By 6 AM, I got a call from John. He sounded so fatigued. He is speaking with long gaps. He told me about how his proposal event went and finally, he said, it got cancelled. ‘Why? What happened?’ I sounded as if I am panicked. But then he slowly told me that his girlfriend suddenly decided to go on world tour with her lesbian friend and she told him that she would decide on his proposal once she comes back.   

I ended John’s call with some cajoling words. Exactly, at that moment, angel appeared again in front of me but, this time with another deal…           

                       

THE ‘LOST’ LOVE

He is bending over the desk and talking to a dusky beauty gal sitting behind it. His blue-checked shirt with matching light color trousers is really making a big impact on the eyes of onlookers. Those side locks, which end with a sharp pointing curve beside his ears and those curly smooth soft hair strands that falls on his forehead every now and then, which always keeps him busy brushing them up, are part of his ‘attitude’. He is known as a soul killer, heart-breaker, etc. But, not in her case! He cannot impact her in any way. As far as she knows, she is a very careful lady; especially in heart related matters. Yes! She is beautiful, young, energetic, and playful but she knows where to stop and where to trespass based on the context. In other words, she considers herself as intelligent and quite often uses brain for heart-related matters. So many people tried to have a fling with her since she got those mind-blowing looks. But, nah! She never ever leased her heart, even for a few seconds, to anyone so far.

Meet Sarah; an amazing beautiful woman in her mid-twenties with chiseled looks, fair skin and most of all – terrific communication skills. She is the one whom every eligible bachelor dreams for. Her boss likes her for her organization skills, guys like her for her chiseled beauty, and her society likes her for her overall personality. A gregarious personality with empathetic looks is her plus point. However, internally, she thinks herself as something else – beauty with brains with a ‘go-getter attitude’. She knows her strengths and weaknesses. And she knows how to build on her strengths, professionally. This is the secret of her success so far in her career. She changed jobs to further her career. And at this young age, she is already in a senior HR position in a company.

However, recently, she is feeling that something is not alright with her ‘heart’. She is not clear about what is causing this kind of anxiousness in her but she is experiencing it. God knows why! From outside, everything seems to be perfect from either her career point of view or personal family life. Yet, something is nagging in her head; what is that? Is it ‘him’? Is it love?

Meet Tom; his accent, style of standing and bending on her colleague’s desk jettisoning his sculpted bum, his way of brushing his hair strands when it falls on his forehead, his evergreen styling of his hair, his occasional killer glances at others, his hush-hush pronunciation of words stressing, bending, breaking and elongating them in unexpected junctions making people who like him to go on their knees for him.

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Oh God! This should not be true. Please God! Don’t make it true. She prayed God in her mind once again; closing her eye-liner laced eyes. The moment she opened her eyes, she saw Tom standing in front of her but talking flirtatiously with her colleague. She saw him so many times. Actually, she stole glances at him. Although she tried without respite, don’t know why, she was unable to look him into his eyes and talk to him. Unfortunately, she felt that there is a block, maybe emotional, that is forcing her to behave like that. One day, Sarah tried to interact with Tom by flashing a million dollar smile. But, he acted like he ignored her. Sarah got hurt by Tom’s insensitivity. The whole event acted as a big blow on Sarah’s ego.

Who in the world is Tom! She never interacted with him. Neither did him! All she knows is that he always interacts with her dark-skinned colleague in a flirtatious way and leaves the place. She knows that her colleague dies for him; taking cues from her body language. Not only her, her boss too told her that Tom is great in giving beautiful experiences when it comes to ‘flirting’. He has the capability to make others’ experience wonders when he is with them. Sarah got jealous about Tom. Why he is not responding to her? She is determined to impress Tom now, make him as her boyfriend, and wants to experience that ‘exclusive thing’ about Tom.

Although, she is not religious, she knows it is gross to snatch some other’s boyfriend. And how come career-oriented girls like her think like this? But her heart is driving her in Tom’s direction. ‘It’s ok. So, what if I want Tom in my life?’ Sarah questioned herself. But for that to happen, she needs to ditch her colleague. Is that ok? But, did not they tell that all is fair in love and war!  However, this case is different. Here, the guy is driving the game instead of the girl. So, though she wants to snatch him away from her colleague, it is not possible unless he wants her. Wow! What a strategy Tom! She never realized that this much strategy is embedded in Tom’s game. So far she experienced guys chasing her at all times by impressing her in so many ways. But this game is different. Now, she is really impressed with Tom. She realized Tom is not only handsome but brainy. She knows that she is very good in communication; everybody she met so far told her. But, she never played this kind of strategic communication with anyone; this is quite unexpected. Now, she felt that the game is ON. And she is all goose bumps.

Sarah wants to understand why Tom never reciprocates her greetings? Is he that much into that dusky beauty who has the capability to disappear in darkness just like that in a seamless manner? What is the hook in their relation? Sarah is curious to know. She took ‘seducing Tom’ task as a challenge. Now, if she can impress Tom, she can find a handsome cute poster boyfriend who speaks in foreign accent [don’t know which country’s… but still OK] and wears style like perfume all over his body. No one ever knows what is in store! Right? So, Sarah is in Tom’s dream and is hell-bent on impressing him to make her dream come true.

Next day, officially (being in HR), she intentionally called Tom for a discussion on some point related to his job profile. Tom entered Sarah’s cabin. While entering, he slightly opened the cabin door and just popped his head in and said in a mild romantic soft tone, did you call me? Tom’s voice hit Sarah all over her body as if she just bathed in his voice. Somehow Sarah wriggled out of that mind-blowing effect, looked at Tom, and said ‘Yes, please come in’. Next moment, she found Tom inside the cabin, sitting in front of her, and curiously peeping into her eyes. All this happened within a fraction of a second. Sarah amazed by Tom’s swift action. She started asking a few questions related to Tom’s job profile for which Tom gave answers in his ‘magnetic voice laced with his typical accent’. Sarah started digging in and Tom started revealing more info about him. Slowly, Sarah tried to turn the conversation from professional to personal. Tom being a good communications guy understood this ‘turn’ and started playing along. The discussion turned into a friendly banter and Sarah felt that it is the right time to ask Tom why he is interested in her dusky pesky colleague. When she smoothly cornered Tom with this question, Tom jutted out ‘No way! She is my boyfriend’s friend‘.

It took 1 second for Sarah to understand the depth of Tom’s answer. She was taken aback. Tom’s one-phrase answer taught her how poor she understands others; both professionally and personally. Now she understood why her colleagues call him like soul killer, heart-breaker, etc. She wrapped up the discussion with Tom and started typing her resignation letter as she wants a ‘LONG BREAK’.

   

#HURINGAA #socialmediasz

The Bench

The place is becoming dark; just like her life. The Sunset is happening slowly making way for the Moonlight to spread itself across the space. No matter how many times she thinks about her situation, she is unable to find any solution. The bench on the bridge where she is sitting is becoming cold. The breeze blowing from the side of the river started producing chill effect. The vibrant river, which so far reflected strong golden Sun’s rays into the sky, is getting engulfed by the twilight darkness. The bridge side lights were switched on automatically by the embedded sensors. She has been observing all these changes sitting there and told herself how things change just in a matter of minutes without anyone’s interference as if they were following someone’s instructions. 

Saki is working as a manager in an IT company. Collecting IOT wearables has become one of her hobbies nowadays. In her heart she knows very well that it is not her hobby but Rithvik’s. Just to show everything is normal, she made that as her hobby.  Actually, she is still trying to accept that as her hobby in her heart.  After she married Rithvik, she has been doing her best to change her; in fact changes her tastes, mindset, and her way of life. However, somewhere in the process she is losing the game; means, she is losing the inspiration to change herself. Life suddenly has become a heavyweight, which she cannot carry it so far. If she has to live life of her choice, she has to dump this weight. But then, to lead the life she wants, she wants to return to her previous life; that life before her marriage. She wants that freedom, follow those days mindset, and interact with those friends whom she was interested in. 

Yes! Friends! Actually, they are more than friends. They want to lead a life of their own. They are like two parallel lines occasionally meet each other whenever they need other’s presence in their life; otherwise, they are on their own and never interfere in each other’s lives. This mechanism worked for them from the time they met each other. Sagar is his name and he was her boyfriend. A happy go lucky guy, with his simple living and high thinking way of life used to attract everyone. If she wants to enjoy at any moment those days, the default address for her was Sagar. Really, he has a sea-size heart when it comes to comforting his near and dear ones and a burning Sun like passion to get things done. A smart, handsome looking, balanced, and passionate guy who has the capability to focus on things that others’ think has good potential to further his career.

But, what happened then? Nothing! Sagar is not in emotional relation with anyone Saki knows; including her. It is she who has been thinking about her love with Sagar. It is she who used to dream about Sagar. She was the one who used to celebrate his birthdays, throw surprise parties at her own expense, and dream about him as her lover. But from Sagar’s side, she was one of his close friends. That’s all! His focus was never on her. He is very much into his own professional stuff which helps him to further his career. In other words, she never received emotional response from Sagar. And then, she got married to Rithvik.

Sagar attended their marriage and congratulated them. Even at that moment, she could not find any emotional reaction in his eyes. When Rithvik entered her life, she was confused after encountering a different personality altogether. Rithvik is more serious type. He is not like Sagar, who is always jovial and approachable. Rithvik goes by process; he needs to know everything in advance before he starts any activity. Saki likes unpredictability. She likes thrill. She wants that ‘kick’ in everything whatever she does which Sagar used to give her in tons. From Rithvik, she cannot expect any of these things. He is like a rock. 

Yes, rock! He is Mr. Dependable. Actually, it is with Rithvik she shared a lot of her emotions. It is him who gave her a helping hand whenever she needs it without asking any questions. He gave her so many suggestions to overcome the obstacles in her career. It was him who looked after her parents when she was busy with her career. Then why she wants to go away from Rithvik? Why she is unable to bear him now? It is because today Sagar joined her company and he is her boss now. After seeing him and shaking hands with him, the irresistible irrepressible impulsive ‘old flame’ reignited in her. Although Sagar’s behavior has not changed since she saw him last time, changes started happening in her heart and mind since this afternoon. Suddenly, Saki started realizing what she lost all these days after she met Sagar. Her original ‘thrill-seeking’ attitude suddenly became strong enough to reject her current marriage life and seek freedom from all the bondings she got tied up with. At that moment, she never thought of Rithvik. Actually, Rithvik, her husband, is looking like a villain now. Saki’s mind started telling her that is because of Rithvik in her life that she lost all her happiness. But, her heart started murmuring something in a very low decibel voice that she is happy with whom she is right now. 

One forceful chill breeze from her backside brought Saki to her senses. It is almost 8 pm now. She never realized how much time passed by sitting and introspecting about her life. And exactly at that moment, a beggar came to her asking alms. He looks like that he is in his sixties. He is walking very slowly with the help of a long stick. A few feet away from him, one more beggar looking lady who again in her sixties is standing shivering due to the cold weather. The man came to Saki and begged her for a few rupees so that he can buy a blanket for his wife. ‘Is she really your wife?’ Saki questioned him. For that, he slowly nodded his head saying ‘Yes’. How long have you been married? Saki asked. The beggar replied ‘nearly 45 years’. Saki opened her purse and took a 50 Rs./- note. ‘Are you begging since your childhood?’ she asked holding the note in her hand. ‘No’ the beggar replied. I used to do business. We lead a good life until my sons took over my business and pushed us outside. ‘Hmm…’ Saki said. The beggar continued: She is my wife. I need to look after her until my last minute. I might not have given enough comforts to her to keep her happy throughout her life but I did my best. Even today she does not like so many things about me. But, she still loves me and vice-versa. Life never goes by as per our expectations. We need to go by its commands.’ Saki gave the note. 

The beggar saluted and left the place.Saki realized now that her life has changed and there is no point in looking back at the past episodes of life. She needs to take the new challenges in life head on and drive her toward success. Rithvik might not be perfect but he is a good human being. It is not good to expect that the glass should be filled up to its brim always. There are situations in life where it is better to keep the glass ‘half-full’. At the moment, she is facing that ‘half-glass’ situation in life. Now, she got confidence after realizing that she found the ropes of her life. A slight smile flashed on her face. She looked at her watch and told her that it is time to go home and prepare food. ‘Let me impress you Rithvik with my cooking today’ she told herself, started her car, and started driving toward home. 

The Saint

Crrrrsh! With a single hammer blow, he crushed his opponent’s head. In the middle of the night, at a remote corner of a sugarcane field, he completed the violent act without a third-mind knowing about it. There is no sound around; complete silence! The victim did not even cried like hell when he was hit by the hammer on his head; fell with a thud sound on the ground. Slowly, he removed the old cloth pieces out of the victim’s mouth and closed his eyes looking into his face with love. ‘Old friend… Bye for now!’ Let us meet in next life. Don’t worry! I won’t let you forget the heat and the chase that you gave me in this life. Then he had that naughty smirk on his face which he displays only when he is satisfied with his work. He pulled the body in to the sugarcane field for a few meters and dumped it in a pre-digged grave filled with rock salt. ‘Perfect combination bro; you won’t even smell bad. Look! How I am taking care of you… even after your death. This is what is called responsibility, for which I am known for.’ Again, he smirked with self-satisfaction and looked around to confirm that he is the only one left on that spot.

He is wearing a matching cotton trouser and shirt. His unshaved beard look is adding some roughness to his face; otherwise, he is cute like a button. He put his shirt in and is wearing black formal shoes. One can look at his hands and can estimate what sort of sculpted body is there behind those cotton garments. His looks are sharp as his mind which acts fast. He learned most of the survival skills very quickly that his contemporaries took years to learn. He is not handsome but he never leaves those who mess with him. For outside society, he is an IT employee working in a small company. But his interests are elsewhere. 

Most of the people who know him don’t know that he leads a double-life. Survival is the name of his game. And for that, he will do anything. You may question what in the world is forcing him to lead a life like this. Yes! The answer is his political background. He is not a people savior. But, he dedicates his skills for those activities which he thinks are in alignment with his political backers’. 

Since his childhood he is trained for this kind of activities by his benefactors. He is loyal to them since then. He knows what is right and wrong. But, he never lets his emotion chose what is right for him every time. Whatever he benefactor choses, he follows that without asking questions. He puts himself in different kind of dangerous situations to achieve the goals of his benefactor. With his skills, he can earn a good amount and can lead a happy life. No! He won’t do that for himself to further his selfish goals! But he does it for his benefactor.

Like, lust, and love are trivial for him. Revenge, vengeance, and violence are not his friendly thoughts. He won’t live for himself but for his benefactor; but you cannot call him a slave. It is because he does what he is told for his own survival. 

Wiping out someone from this planet is not his pastime. But he does it when is forced to do that. He is quick and fast. He is capable of bringing war to his opponent’s doorstep within a few seconds. Yet, in most of the situations, he restrains himself. ‘Balance’ is what he knows how to maintain well. And he helps society through his benefactor to maintain that ‘balance’. 

Would you like to know who his benefactor is? God! He does everything [bring balance in society] for HIM and for his own survival [further his own survival prospects].

And he is identified and called by this society as SAINT.